MANILA, Philippines — GlobalPort-Philippine team, showing good chemistry, stunned a fancied Argentinian side, 10-9, in the Miguel Lorenzo Romero Cup held recently in Calatagan, Batangas.
Playing in the field named after his son Miguel Lorenzo, Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero (1Pacman Partylist) joined forces with grizzled veteran Anthony Garcia in scoring the team’s first win over a squad backstopped by well-decorated Argentinian riders.
“It was unbelievable beating the Argentinians,” said Romero who scored a crucial goal late in the game as GlobalPort repelled Argentina’s determined comeback.
“We made a good start because of the team’s chemistry,” Romero also said.
Behind Garcia’s attacking flair, GlobalPort raced to a commanding 6-2 lead to the cheers from a small but highly-appreciative crowd.
GlobalPort’s lead dwindled as the Argentinians intensified their attack to pull to within 9-8.
But Romero and Garcia – along with Adrian Garcia and Jake Gordon – refused to crack with Anthony Garcia sealing the deal with his sixth goal with two minutes to go.
Though Argentina made another goal, time was not on its side as GlobalPort rotated the ball with razor-sharp precision to deny Argentina from tying the game.
GlobalPort scored eight goals from the field and two from the line courtesy of Adrian Garcia.
The tournament was the first to be held at the Miguel Lorenzo Romero field since the 2019 SEA Games that saw the Romero- and Garcia-led team pocket the bronze medal.